Revitalization

A Day at AyurVAID Kalmatia

Eschew seasonal variations or your tryst with Ayurveda for a doctor-prescribed specific relief, a typical day in this green pasture on the Kumaon Himalayas begins to soothing music at 6.30 in the morning. You join the other residents from the remaining Kutiras (Cottages) at the Yoga & Meditation Hall or the Serenity Deck on a bright and sunny day for a session of Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation under guidance to experts.

All senses awake, you are then put through AyurVAID Kalmatia’s signature Dinacharya, introducing you to the dimension of Ayurveda in morning ablutions, a must as per ancient texts. This involves Cleansing of teeth (Dantadavanam, using a patented & medicated tooth powder); Cleansing tongue (Jihwanirlapanam, using sticks of a sought after medicinal plant); Cleansing nasals (Nasyam, using medical oils); Cleansing ears (Karnapuranam, using medical oil and procedures), Cleansing of mouth (Kavalam & Kandoosham, rinsing and gargling using medical oil and herbal concotion) and Anjanam (Eye Care).

Now, you are Ayurveda ready and you head for the Kriya Sala (Rejuvenation Rooms) where care-givers wait on you in readiness to perform the prescribed therapies and processes, each customized to your concerns and needs, according to the Prakriti (your body’s natural state of being) – your body type, as to whether you are Ectomorph (Vata – space & air – dominant), Mesomorph (Pitta – Fire & Water – dominant) or Endomorph (Kapha – Water & Earth – dominant).

A medicated bath follows and you head for the Homa Kundam (sacred pyre spot) near the Ardhachandraakaarorang (Amphitheatre). Once you invoke the Gods and Spirits for general wellness and good health, a steaming hot vegetarian cuisine awaits you at Naivedya, the restaurant, even as you savor a herbal delicacy.

After breakfast, it is each to his own till lunch, except if you are on a serious disease reversal endeavour or on a revitalization program that mandate rest. And if you are on a Health Holiday, you are due for a host of activity of choice – Excursions; Treks; Village Visits; Tryst with the wild at the Zoo; Pilgrimage to ancient Kasardevi Temple, Chippai (Bell) Temple and a host of other temples that spell divinity; or a Jaunt to Almora town for a day out. For those who reach for lunch, mouth watering dishes of various vegetarian cuisine in styles of different geographies, would be served between 1 pm and 3 pm.

The evenings light up for tired limbs and bodies, with Padabhyangam (foot massage), Mukhalepam (facial) or other Ayurveda relaxation therapies, as postulated in Panchakarma, of your choice. This, though is a part of premium packages. A Yoga and Meditation session later or after seeping in, seated in the exquisite Solarium’s Serenity Deck, the pristine rays of the setting sun in the Himalayas – itself a feast to the senses – later it is time to enjoy the culture and life of Almora, Kumaon, Uttarakhand, through its dance forms at the ArdhachandraRanga Sthala (Amphitheatre). A campfire follows nearby for you to enjoy a night of stars twinkling the Himalayan sky.

Nivedya serves dinner between 8 pm and 10 pm, and you are primed for a sleep of your dreams, on cosy beds in the chalets of your choice.